Why does the priest assign a penance in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
While sacramental absolution wipes away the guilt of sin and eternal punishment, sin still leaves temporal punishment, bad habits, and harm done to oneself and others (such as damage to property or reputation). The penance assigned by the confessor (prayers, fasting, almsgiving, or acts of service) is an act of 'satisfaction' helping to repair this spiritual damage, restore spiritual health, and expiate the temporal consequences of sin in union with Christ's cross.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1459-1460
- Luke 19:8
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.